Friday, March 30, 2018

Q & A with Andy Bender

Andy Bender, 41 years old from Rabenau in Germany. Andy is the owner of the Sleipnir Pulling Team and the driver of the 950kg / 2095lbs. BAE V8 Hemi powered Mini Modified Tractor called ,,Thor". He also was German Championship runner up in 2015 and 2016 in the Mini Modified division.

pullingworld.com: What are you doing in your normal life?Andy Bender: In cooperation with my brother I am managing a company, which is specialized in erosion control and hydroseeding.We are working nationwide, but also in other European countries. We have about 30 employees.

pullingworld.com: What do you like to do in your free time, except Tractor Pulling?Andy Bender: I am visiting the soccer games of Eintracht Frankfurt for 25 years now. I am also interested in politics and history. My family is, of course, an important part in my life too.

pullingworld.com: What do you like about Tractor Pulling?Andy Bender: I really like the atmosphere in the Pulling family and the possibility for the fans to get in touch with the Teams and the sport. I also like that there’s a chance for children to start with Garden Pulling at a very young age.

pullingworld.com: What was your first Tractor Pulling event?Andy Bender: That was in the mid 80’s in Schameder, Germany.

pullingworld.com: What is your favourite Event / Pulling track?Andy Bender: Every competition has its own character, but Füchtorf (D) and the competition in Schlechtenwegen (D) (my home pull) are my personal favorites. One of the best tracks in Germany is definitely Krumbach-Breitenthal (D).

pullingworld.com: When and where do you have driven a Pulling Tractor for the first time?Andy Bender: I’ve had my first start with Thor at Füchtorf (D) in April 2014. My son Jan Odin started earlier than me, he already started with Garden Pulling in 2011 at the age of 8 years. This were our first steps as a Team in the Pulling sport.

pullingworld.com: What was your biggest success?Andy Bender: The two German vice Championships with Thor in 2015 and 2016 and especially the German Championship of my son Jan Odin with Sleipnir in 2011 and 2013. In 2013, he even won the European Championship in the 500kg Stock division in Garden Pulling.

pullingworld.com: Which Pulling classes do you like too?Andy Bender: I like all classes.

pullingworld.com: What was your biggest disappointment?

Andy Bender: That was my crash in Füchtorf (D) last year. Every time I watch the video my neck still hurts.

pullingworld.com: Which things must be changed in the future of the Tractor Pulling sport?Andy Bender: It would be nice if Tractor Pulling gets more popular in Germany, to draw more attention to sponsors.

pullingworld.com: What are your plans for the future in Tractor Pulling?Andy Bender: To find more time to continue this wonderful hobby and to make Thor more competitive.

pullingworld.com: What was for you the most important moment in the sport?Andy Bender: There was a lot, but my personal highlight was the start at the European Championship in Great Eccleston (GB) 2016.

pullingworld.com: What was your favourite Pulling Tractor project in the workshop during a winter?Andy Bender: Building up Thor in 2013/2014 in cooperation with The Riddle Pulling Team at their workshop in Putten (NL). I learned very much about engine and Tractor setups which made it much easier to start in the Mini Rod class. Special thanks to Erik Van Asselt and his Team.

pullingworld.com: Something you want to say?Andy Bender: Thanks for all the helping hands in the past especially to Hartmut Henkel and other Garden Pulling guys.Sadly
we are very busy with our company and can’t participate on every event
this year. We wish all Teams good luck for the new season and exciting
competitions for the fans.See you on the track and happy easter !

pullingworld.com: Thank you for your time and good luck for the future !